BEST SERVED COLD - REVIEW

My review of Best Served Cold. The first of the First Law series stand-alone books by Joe Abercrombie.
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[@DanielGreeneReviews]

If you want the book: amzn.to/2VeFIFv

[@orcanimal]

Like Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country are also special in that they are forays into different genres (the way Best Served Cold is sort of a "heist" story. I won't spoil what genres The Heroes and Red Country are). And that special Abercrombie touch just elevates them. By the way, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't get the audiobooks. Stephen Pacey is THE BEST narrator of all time.

[@mrfrancyofficial]

Thanks so much for the shout of "Fran-cois-t" 😂😂 good try. It's pronounced Franswar phonetically and T is the first letter of my surname. Thanks Daniel xoxo.

[@Grimscribe732]

If you admire Abercrombie's prose, pick up his Shattered Sea Trilogy. It is amazing how much he can say with a very low word count. Best Served Cold is my favorite first law standalone, the others are great too but BSC just had me spellbound. I read it and immediately followed it up with the Steven Pacey's audioversion. His Cosca is perfection.

[@hasltisl]

Bought through your link. And it’s only $3.99 on Kindle U.S.!

[@lazarinth5782]

Oh, boy, Heroes next. Best of the SA.

[@ninjajoe17]

“When men say things used to be better, they invariably mean they were better for them, because they were young, and had all their hopes intact. The world is bound to look a darker place as you slide into the grave.” Nicomo Cosca

[@Vauataf3346]

pretty sure it was Cosca who said it. But yes one of the most memorable lines from the whole series!

[@JoviLevi]

Cosca. Not Caul.

[@ninjajoe17]

Totally. I guess fandom website got it wrong.

[@JoviLevi]

@@ninjajoe17 The fandom website is horrible, and is a spoiler-filled nightmare on top of that. _Yikes._

[@nikosbookreviews]

This was my favorite line for sure

[@Shizzbam]

Slight SPOILERS in this post: This is actually my favourite Joe Abercrombie book over all (though I love all his work). He really shows off what he can do with characters in this one. Perhaps my favourite thing about the characters is that by the end of the book Monza is a slightly better person, and Shivers is much, much worse. There is a small win for us as readers in that we've seen one protagonist become a little better as an individual and put some of their demons to rest, and a major gut punch when the other protagonist is twisted from someone so bright and hopeful (for the First Law universe) into someone quite monstrous, and that's why the book was so powerful for me and stuck in my mind for ages afterwards. I also love it for this immortal truism: “Sometimes men change for the better. Sometimes men change for the worse. And often, very often, given time and opportunity . . . They change back.”

[@caldwell0729]

The actor who does the audiobooks is also one of the best I have heard. The voices are distinctive and I hear those voices even in my head when I think of Logen, Bayaz, Cosca, Glokta, etc. IMO these books are the best audiobooks I have listened to. Shoutout to the narrator/voice actor Steven Pacey.

[@samhartje723]

100% agree

[@Why_do_I_do_this.]

EXACTLY .... Like just his range from Morveer to Friendly .... Absolutely phenomenal 🤌🏻

[@BBQshapesKING]

I think his name is Stephen Pacey if I remember correctly. He’s easily the goat when it comes to audiobooks. I’ve read all the first law world books and listened to the audiobooks. I rather re-listen than re read them though now just because of how good the voice acting is. Ever notice in first trilogy, when he does Glokta’s parts he lisps when Glokta is talking but doesn’t when he’s thinking? It’s the little details that make him god tier

[@chadelder]

The "standalone" label is a misnomer; these books are really sequels to the original trilogy, though each book has its own complete story arc. They should be read in order, and what happens in Best Served Cold has consequences in the next two books. They aren't necessarily better than the original trilogy, just different. Abercrombie is having fun with these. He is importing some of his favorite non-fantasy genres and playing around with them in the First Law world: Best Served Cold = revenge tale (think Kill Bill); The Heroes = military narrative (think Shelby Foote or Stephen Ambrose); Red Country = American Westerns (think Clint Eastwood, to whom Abercrombie dedicates the book). As much as I really like Tolkein, Martin, and others, Abercrombie has become my favorite fantasy author. No one in the genre writes better dialogue.

[@cameronclaypool9133]

Without having read The Heroes, the situation in The North in A Little Hatred would be much more confusing I feel, as well as the references to the situation in Styria without reading Best served cold. It's debatable whether Red Country is as necessary to read, but you still should, because it's a great book, and has a nice wrap up with Shivers and another certain Northman...

[@Airehcaz]

Well, I believe it’s probably *best* to read them order of publication, but I think BSC really can be enjoyed independently. Likewise, “Red Country” can most definitely be enjoyed as a stand alone reading experience. I say that because it happened to be the first Abercrombie book I read. In fact, after now having read all of his books in the proper order, I still think it’s appropriate to call “Red Country” and “Best Served Cold” as standalone stories. The extra knowledge about characters and world will surely enhance the experience, but is not necessary. “The Heroes” felt to me the most like a real sequel to the OG trilogy, I don’t recommend people read that without having read First Law trilogy first.

[@curranfrank2854]

Have you read his Shattered Sea series? It's YA and definitely is meant for a younger audience than First Law but it's still really good. I read it a few years before First Law, it's how I was introduced to him. It's not as good, so maybe you don't really want to read a series that's a notable downgrade but it's set in a different world so there'd probably be some novelty to it

[@heygus20]

That's it. I'm sold on First Law. Time to open the piggy bank.

[@dakotamorehead3499]

Hey friend. Joe is my number one bc of first law. Please, I highly recommend the audiobooks. They are a powerful and unique experience.

[@zidane456]

Abercrombie is definitely my favorite. Unbelievable how good his books are.

[@drew8343]

I concur

[@invaderzod8092]

The amount of plot twists in this book is insane.

[@andreww4751]

what are you talking about bro? did we read the same book? this book was one of the most predictable books i ever read. boring af. prologue and then she says she gonna kill these 7 men, and then she proceeds and does exactly that: she kills the first one, then the second one, then the third one, then the 4th one, then the 5th one, then the 6th one ( which shivers conviniently does it for her to save her the moral struggle ), and then the 7th one. the end. oh and she becomes the princess too. wow. literally everyone and everything falls into place so that she magically does exactly what she planned all along. i absolutely do not understand how people realy consider this their favourite abercrombie book at all.

[@SchaffyD]

This is probably my favourite Abercrombie book. Been waiting for this review ever since I found your channel!

[@ninjajoe17]

Same

[@curranfrank2854]

I've only read the first trilogy and Best Served Cold so far but yeah, this is definitely his best. And I loved the first trilogy so that's really saying something

[@andreww4751]

how is this your favorite abercrombie book? are you guys actually serious? can someone explain to me. for me it feels like its not even in the same league as the rest.

[@thecrazycougar914]

The next two standalones are Abercrombies true masterpieces IMO, eager for your opinion on those

[@0983477113]

People tend to say that, but i personally found that the other two books are downhill. Red Country was ok and The Heroes did nothing for me. IMHO Best Served Cold is by far the best standalone.

[@runningcommentary2125]

@@0983477113 Agreed. I don't think anything he's written since has been better than Best Served Cold, though I'm curious to see if the new series does.

[@nicholasparkhill3544]

@@0983477113 yeh man I agree. Thought heroes was okay but his worst book for me

[@matthewdeancole]

@@0983477113 It is a popular opinion Best Served Cold is the best stand-alone.

[@belesir8847]

@@0983477113 Agreed, I don't really get the fanfare for The Heroes, it has its moments but it has clearer flaws than most of his books.

[@xaviercopeland2789]

My favorite is Red Country from the standalones, but this one is so near and dear to my heart.

[@xaviercopeland2789]

I know this isn’t really your style and all, but I think you should read the manga Chainsawman on the Shounen Jump app Daniel. It’s an absolutely bonkers story with some of the most eccentric characters you can meet, but has a plot that is mysterious and intriguing, character development that is subtle and spread throughout everyone, very violent, and some of the most enjoyable times you can have. It’s new and doesn’t have much chapters to it yet (only 65 so far), and the English volumes aren’t released physically yet as they aren’t translated just about now, but the fan base is very inviting and rapidly growing, and the story is going to be one of the next big things. I don’t want to give you something very long or depressing, but this one will be more on the absurd side of the Japanese spectrum and good as a pallet cleanser between books.

[@orcanimal]

It used to be my favorite too, but after reading all three standalones about 5+ times each (technically, I listen to the audiobooks, which are AMAZING), it's hard for me to pick one. All three are so different in terms of sub-genre, that I find that I just love them all equally, for different things. They really are remarkable achievements that I haven't seen any other author do. You take your established world, and then you tell stories in it that suit completely different genres. And you do it amazingly well. But Red Country is by far the most ambitious one, I'd say.

[@mdwesquire]

I love Red Country. It’s the fantasy/western I didn’t know I wanted.

[@koleary1798]

@@mdwesquire that moment when a certain... blonde moustached fellow... realises who he's fighting.. epic. SPOILER WARNING Maybe I'm a masochist but I love how Abercrombie never gave us the Ninefingers ending we were hoping for. Given what a ruthless bastard he was, it makes sense; he couldn't possibly live happily ever after. But goddamn. The dude was set up as the main protagonist in the original trilogy, and then that's done. So ballsy.

[@xzorre]

Love everything Abercrombie. Even his young adult series feels darker than many other "adult" fantasy

[@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191]

Joacim Olander adult fantasy doesn’t need to be dark to be adult what makes it adult fantasy is a complex magic system complex politics and and more in depth story.

[@coleton7048]

@@bookaholicgameaholicvlogah4191 Literally nothing what you said is true... lol

[@Klemeron]

the ending of half a war is depressing as shit haha

[@Lost_isle]

@@coleton7048 how is it not true? Can you explain why because im confused I didnt see anything wrong with what he said

[@coleton7048]

@@Lost_isle 1. A complex magic system does not make a fantasy book adult... Because not all adult fantasy has "complex magic systems". 2. Complex politics does not make a fantasy book adult... Because not all adult fantasy has "complex politics". 3. A book being adult does not inherently mean its story is more or less "in depth" than every YA book... Because there is adult fantasy with stories that aren't as "in depth" as other YA fantasy. It should literally just be common sense to understand that things aren't that simple and black and white. YA is a marketing label to distinguish PG-13 from Rated R like with movies, not the quality or complexity of the stories.

[@curranfrank2854]

One thing that I really liked about Monza in this book was how she was kind of a blend of an active and passive protagonist. She undeniably has agency, and causes either directly or indirectly a lot of the events in the book, but she also get's beaten multiple times and only lives/succeeds either through luck or because she had a part in other people's plans. She's not invincible and she's not just a passenger of the plot either

[@kevinalbora562]

The Heroes is my favorite of the stand-alones.

[@Earls_sweaty_shirt]

Same here, Gorst was very fun to read about (as goes for all First Law characters tbh)

[@atquinn1975]

Finally getting around to reading The Heroes now. I'm liking it, of course. The 7th Joe Abercrombie book I've read. He's remarkably consistent.

[@presdehart]

Oh man The Heroes is so incredible. I have never been so gripped by a battle scene before

[@MilkBoy270]

@@presdehart Ye those scenes was something new. @Daniel Greene You're in for something new man!

[@MrShaiya96]

The best fantasy standalone book of all time

[@TheFiendofOndar]

Shivers breaks my heart, but he is one of my favorite characters of all time. I love how he mirrors my main man from the original trilogy. Personally, I think that you might not love the Heroes as much as the rest. I love it, but the plot isnt as strong imo. It's written in the style of civil war fiction, and it is focused on themes of war. Still stoked though! Super glad to see this review :)

[@williammcnirlan4820]

Yeah it is Shivers that is the real tragedy. His story started as such a minor thread in the original trilogy as it progresses beyond this book, it is one of the major threads of the series to date. On a path that will only lead him to become the embodiment of the perceived image of someone he hates. With his storyline you fully understand how the men of the North are formed in this world and why it's a never ending cycle.

[@andreww4751]

the plot in The Heroes is a million times stronger than this book.

[@sechay9328]

Easily my favorite of the stand alones, and man do I feel for Shivers. I also loved the Renaissance Italy vibe he gave his setting. But more importantly what I love about this comment section is that seemingly everybody has their favorites and they all differ. This is a great author.

[@Rbeavs]

“All your life spent getting ready for the next thing. I climbed a lot of hills now. I crossed a lot of rivers. Crossed the sea even, left everything I knew and came to Styria. But there I was, waiting for me at the docks when I got off the boat, same man, same life. Next valley ain’t no different from this one. No better anyway. Reckon I’ve learned … just to stick in the place I’m at. Just to be the man I am.

[@giancarlopavan7938]

Would love to hear your takes on Caul Shivers after you finish the other stand alone novels. I’ve got a masters degree in lit and teach literature analysis and creative writing classes and he is still one of my favourite characters ever. Even above Glokta!

[@jpmac0311]

Caul Shivers became my favorite character in the whole First Law Universe by the end of The Wisdom of Crowds

[@sj-hughes3989]

Such a great book, monza is such a good character. Great vid aswell my dude.

[@buildawall5803]

She is so hot first crush I've had for a book character

[@Greendruid1665]

It's amazing how there is no agreement among Joe's fans which of his books is the best - everyone has their own favourite and that is awesome!

[@uhm3487]

What did you think of a certain ”intimate” scene seemingly between two POV characters, not to spoil anything? Made me lol when i first read it :)

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Uhm definitely... alternative. Ha

[@igotissues1386]

I read this book last August and loved it and I'm now reading The Heroes finally. Abercrombie does one thing that few authors in fantasy tend to do and that is consistently make me laugh almost every page. I'm 117 pages into it and every character he has introduced has been intriguing and interesting.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great review! The three standalones that follow The First Law Trilogy are amazing. I can’t wait to read the new trilogy!

[@aiela]

Daniel this is really spooky I’m currently finishing Last Argument of Kings and went to buy Best Served Cold but thought “I think I’ll watch some reviews first”. Open KZbin and this is the first thing I see 😳 Edit: will now buy through your link ofc

[@CancelledPhilosopher]

I love Best Served Cold even more than the original First Law trilogy. It's fucking perfect.

[@ducky36F]

I was a huge fan of Red Country (might be my favourite, but as you say they are all so close) but I’ve seen others say they thought it was one of his weaker novels. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.

[@ThomMinnickArt]

This was his strongest book IMO i still think about it all the time.

[@zackmikula3150]

Every Joe Abercrombie book has been my favorite book until the next one came out. Best Served Cold was the one that I thought couldn't be out done. Can't wait for your review on The Heroes now! Thanks for all the great content!

[@caiquenunes4410]

Love this book, especially shivers, he made me shiver for the best part of the book.

[@perunthegreat554]

He was not beautiful like her and he was left alone with no friend just because scar . I rally felt sorry for him . only he wanted to be better man and everybody make fun of him for that.

[@chasebedwell1751]

Daniel you do realize that after you get done with the stand alones you will have to reread A Little Hatred to find all the Easter eggs.

[@orkz11]

Love your review and that you analyze and discuss a step further than what most people do. Agree with all you said and I’m looking forward to your review of ”the heroes”, which is my favorite next to ” sharp ends” in the first law universe.

[@charlespeter5610]

I *loved* this book, I just finished it last week and I am excited to hear your review

[@leslieoliverii9035]

I'm getting near the end of this audiobook. I am going to post another comment later, but I have to say: Joe Abercrombie is perhaps the most unorthodox, yet completely well organized dialogue writer I have ever come across. There are SO MANY QUOTABLES from this book alone. And so many memorable characters for me. Caul, Monza, Friendly... and Cosca OMFG Cosca! his entrance to the book made an impression. I will be starting the blade itself after I finish mistborn. Thank you for this recommendation Daniel!

[@CasiniDivision]

Just finished this after recently completing the first law trilogy. It was amazing, definitely up there with the trilogy. As everyone says dialogue and characters are god tier and the plot has many twists and turns, some of which I didn’t see coming. I loved it a lot, and can’t wait to read the other stand alone novels and the second trilogy. I love the feeling of having a lot of books still to read by an author you love set in a world you can lose yourself in. 😁

[@robpaul7544]

I picked up the Blade Itself mostly because of the cover. Abercrombie made me fall in love with his writing from page 1, and has never disappointed since. His character work is spectacular, yes. Multi-faceted, believable, consequential. The world /setting is great, limited in scope by what pov characters might know or experience, but detailed and realistic. Harsh, brutal, unforgiving. Love, mercy or loyalty can not survive here - yet most characters keep on trying, utter flawed bastards they might be. The prose is brilliant. Simple language for the most part, brutal and to the point, but still layered with depths of meaning and feeling. Poetic in a way that feels effortless, natural, playful. Conversations about pissing just as relevant as those about the meaning of life. What really boggled my mind about the stand-alones is that Abercrombie took all that, established in the First Law, and reflavoured it three times! And did it incredibly well. It all still works. It all still fits. It's all still him. Yet different.

[@k-majik]

Just finished it about ten minutes ago, and came straight to this channel to hear Daniel's thoughts of course! It was a uniquely twisty and twisted revenge tale.

[@harmanbeing]

Great review, agree with most of your points especially about Abercrombie’s prose; I think it’s vastly underrated. Looking forward for you to read and review the next book, The Heroes, which is my personal favorite.

[@Scarecrow367]

Heroes was my Favorite Standalone, in the way he goes from one side to the other.

[@joronah8650]

Man I'd love to see a live-action of this book just for the scenes with Shenkt

[@andyman885]

I just want to be part of a community that has read all of the first law series, because I think it’s the most underrated thing ever. We just need hbo to pick it up like game of thrones and we can all talk about it and buy the merchandise.

[@justinr5042]

1....2....3.....812 seconds of a review of Best Served Cold and ZERO mention of Sergeant Friendly!? UNACCEPTABLE

[@coleton7048]

Morveer is a better character than Friendly.

[@isaacbruner65]

@@coleton7048 He was definitely more entertaining to read about. You love to hate him.

Joe Abercrombie has never disappointed me yet, and I have read everything accept Sharp ends and A Little Hatred. He is just so consistently good. He is one of my favorite authors (at least in the fantasy genre).

[@onihr1]

I’m not sure what I’m more excited for. His review for the hero’s or when he reads about lamb in red country.

[@Why_do_I_do_this.]

"I am made of death. I am the great leveller. I am the storm in the high places" .... Absolutely epic 🔥🤌🏻 You can say it ..... Sent Shivers through my spine .... Pun very much intended 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@therabbithole993]

I loved it the evolution of shivers alone puts this in s tier for me

[@Sophie703]

Love Joe Abercrombie. I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Check out the audiobooks - the narrator is amazing.

[@tawnymonarch4813]

Good review! I've read, I think, all Abercrombie's books. My favourite little character dialogue moment from Best Served Cold that comes to mind was Nicomo telling Monza "Nothing ever changes" and subsequently "Change is the only constant, nothing ever stays the same." Then when she points out the contradiction he replies "I changed my mind." Pratchett-esque wit all over. I loved A Little Hatred. I can't wait to see how all the "connotations" that are going on with the male MC develop in the following books.

[@hugop8723]

Nicomo Cosca shines in this book.My favorite bastard in all Abercrombie brillant work!

[@geekinwithJamesHancock]

Good stuff! Looking forward to your review of Abercrombie's 'The Heroes'. That's my favorite in the series.

[@maximilianogranifo9650]

Daniel: People hyperfocus on Joe Abercrombie's character work Also Daniel: 😧

[@orcocan]

beautiful singing Daniel

[@RaftarkJewelry]

I loved all three of the stand alone novels! I think The Heroes is my favorite, but I loved this one too. Curious to hear what you think of the next two when you get to them

[@becklebooks]

I got up to date on all of Abercrombie's books in 2019 and it was soooo worth it to read A Little Hatred. So many brilliantly morally blurred characters. I find it so hard to describe the plot of any of Joe's books? Because they're so distinctly character driven. I loved Best Served Cold, I think it's up in my top 3 faves of Abercrombie! NO, top 4. Loved that one, Before They Are Hanged, Sharp Ends and A Little Hated. :) Hope you love the further installments in the chronology! I think you'd absolutely freakin' love Sharp Ends because there's a short story in there that follows Bethod and even though he's painted as a villain in First Law, that short story made me adamant that he was on the right side and it was incredible that Joe could be like LOL & flip the viewpoint like that; he delivered. Love, LOVE his writing.

[@fe-real]

"The sunrise was the colour of bad blood. It leaked out of the East and stained the dark sky red" An opening line of note. I read that line, imagined that sunrise and realized "This book is gonna do the things, that make the things!"

[@dillinheathcote428]

I want to see joe Abercrombie on this channel... Daniel interview the man

[@cherilyncleveland1284]

I actually just started reading this last night. I also use the audiobook and the narrator is phenomenal. I can't wait til my son is older so he can read these books. Right now he is working through Lord of the Rings and pretty much eat sleeps breathes reading them.

[@harmanbeing]

Steven Pacey is second to none. Hands down the best narrator in the business right now.

[@cherilyncleveland1284]

@@harmanbeing I also enjoy Stephen Fry and January Lavoy. I like it when the characters come alive in the book.

[@xzxzxccxzcw2028]

i think of these as the first law trilogy and the follow-up trilogy (best served cold, the heroes, and red country). although i have a lot of fondness for the first trilogy, i think the follow-up is better by leaps and bounds, and abercrombie's growth both as a writer and in his evolving worldview is really fascinating. the follow-up seems to end a lot more "optimistically" than the original does, but in a way which feels totally earned

[@grnberet9401]

Right you are, chief. Another great review. Keep up with the spoiler free then spoiler-y parts of the reviews, it lets us all get something out of the videos.

[@hectorb101]

I've been reading Joe Abercrombie books as he puts them out, ie The First Law trilogy and the stand alones, but somehow I missed his book of collected short stories(13), "Sharp Ends: Stories from the World of the First Law, which came out in April 2016. So when I was deciding to buy the anthology I did some research and found a great Timeline by Story Arc Original Trilogy (Logen Ninefingers, Jezal dan Luthar, Sand dan Glokta, Dogman, Collem West and Ferro Maljinn) as a reading guide and thought you'd all be intersted. I'm sorry that I cannot credit the original creator of this information. Mea culpa... 566 (spring): A Beautiful Bastard 570 (summer): Made a Monster 575 (spring-autumn): The Blade Itself 575-576 (autumn-spring): Before They Are Hanged 576 (spring): Hell 576-577 (summer to winter): Last Argument of Kings Best Served Cold (Monza Murcatto, Nicomo Cosca, Castor Morveer, Friendly, Caul Shivers and Cas Shenkt) 579-80: Best Served Cold 580: Wrong Place, Wrong Time The Heroes (Bremer dan Gorst, Prince Calder, Curnden Craw, Finree dan Brock, Tunny and Beck) 574 (autumn): The Fool Jobs 584 (autumn): Yesterday, Near a Village Called Barden 584: The Heroes Red Country (Shy South, Ro South and Temple) 584 (summer): Some Desperado 590 (summer): Freedom! 590: Red Country Shevedieh, Javre and Carcolf 573 (autumn): Small Kindnesses 575 (summer): Skipping Town 576 (summer): Two's Company 587 (autumn): Three's a Crowd 592 (spring): Tough Times All Over The Age of Madness Trilogy, A Little Hatred, The Trouble With Peace and The Beautiful Machine, begins in 605 and follows 7 characters.

[@nimbusvision1596]

Very glad you are starting the stand alones! The progress the world and develop powerful characters, armies and nation's that setup the world of, "A Little Hatred". So much more than the original trilogy IMO.

[@Paganscot]

the whole Carlottie's House of Leisure section is just outstanding. So so much fun. Friendly's, Apologise

[@Paganscot]

Sorry, that should of carried on to apologize to my Fucking Dice! God that line nearly made me wet my self. So so many great lines. Check out the audio books narrated by Steven Pacy. He takes the books to another level.

[@ItalianStallionBDM]

Amazing scene. Friendly is such a psycho lol

[@areallyboredguy5825]

“I’m not a grim dark fan…btw….I write about dead chained up children “ love it.

[@SoulBladeM]

I have read 5 out of 8 the First Law books released currently. I think this book is too long, I don't mean it has a lot of filler descriptions, I think the story can be cut in a few places. It overstayed its welcome. Too many targets to get revenge from for example. It is the weakest of all for me. I am planning on listening Red Country on audiobook next, and then wait for the new trilogy to be finished to start reading it.

[@BecauseOfDragons]

Red Country is going to BLOW YOU AWAY I reckon. Heroes is my favourite as I love shieldwall combat, Vikings and gritty battles...but Red Country is brilliant.

[@SonOfSeth]

From my experience with Abercrombie readers, Red Country and Best Served Cold are usually at the opposite end of the spectrum, those who love one, usually dislike the other, or at least not like nearly as much.

[@BecauseOfDragons]

@@SonOfSeth I liked both. With BSC it was the cast of characters and the alternative take on a revenge story (in some ways) and with RC it's the fact that it's a classic Wild West-style story told through a Fantasy lense...and also some really big spoilerific moments which I won't mention. Both showed that Abercrombie could basically bring any plot/setting into The First Law world within reason

[@Ghostlyape123]

SonOfSeth of all the stand alones, the heroes is actually my least favorite. I think BSC has certain things that are flawless, like Monza and Shiver’s dynamic is 11/10 storytelling. Unfortunately, I think stuff surrounding it is a little underwhelming. That said it’s still a great book. Red country on the other hand is my favorite. I loved all the characters and I loved the focus on character development over everything else in it. It didn’t need action scenes consistently as the heroes or BSC.

[@SonOfSeth]

@@Ghostlyape123 Yeah, It's my favorite too, like Unforgiven set in the First Law world, it can hardly get better than that. I just didn't enjoy BSC as much as the others, can't really put my finger on what was it, might be I found most of myself in Morveer and I didn't like the look of that reflection.

[@Ghostlyape123]

SonOfSeth a lot of the other characters felt a little padded. I think Cosca should have stayed dead when they left him wounded, it felt like Joe pulled his punches in a book that’s all about not doing that. Also, yeah Morveer and his whole revenge poisoning wasn’t as compelling either. And Friendly was barely utilized! Such a great character wasted on being...a bodyguard?

[@Tenereus]

I've only read 2 First law books and Joe Abercrombie is quickly becoming number 2 to Brandon Sanderson in my eyes.

[@shosty575]

To me, it's reverse tbh. Sanderson is excellent, with his larger than life characters, huge worlds and intricate magic systems but Abercrombie . . . I can't describe it exactly but if there's any author I'd aspire to be, it will be the Lord Grimdark.

[@deanryanmartin]

I have only read his The Blade Itself. Guess what? He is now my newest number one favorite author. His writing style is hot. His characters command the plot.

[@deanryanmartin]

@@shosty575 Soon I can clearly compare and contrast these two. Once I get to Wheel of Time Book 12, I can seem to tell where I can put Sanderson in my Author's Ranking. Currently, after reading Blade Itself, Joe Abercrombie zooms to my top spot, knocking out John Grisham and Dean Koontz.

[@Stoneward1]

Check out Mark Lawrence, you'll like his stuff. Especially his recent books.

[@deanryanmartin]

@@Stoneward1 On reservation. The books have not probably arrived or they are not just calling me as it is a lockdown here. Lucky on my part before this stricter quarantine happened, the five Joe Abercrombie books arrived and bought it.

[@jake61494]

The trilogy and stand alones were a fantastic read. I binged them all last year. I loved them. But needed a series mental/emotional break from the darker tone afterwords. Ended up flipping from it to the Belgariad for some nice peaceful child-like wonder storylines. I haven't picked up his newest book (the start of the next trilogy I believe?) yet because I'm super hesitant to jump back into the super dark world and tone. It is a weird feeling. I loved the books, but kind of not living in the feelings the book evokes. Hard to explain? Will definitely hop back in when the new trilogy is done, if not sooner though. The books really are top notch.

[@Freyveley]

Oh yeah, Greene. 100% agree on anything you said, especially the prose one. Abercrombie is a living genius! Now on to the next one! Heroes is by far my favourite book of all time, hands down. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!!!

[@BackAlleyTANGO]

Yeah man, Best Served Cold is absolutely phenomenal. All the stand-alones are. My personal fave is probably Red Country though, it reads like Abercrombie's take on a fantasy Western and it's glorious. ❤️

[@harmanbeing]

Love how everyone has a different favorite first law book. It’s a testament to how good they are.

[@WJLMAROON]

Now you’ve made me want to pick this up even though i have a mile long tbr. I finished first law at the end of February and would like to get to the standalones this year

[@davidv.286]

I just started The First law trilogy yesterday.Nice timing.

[@coleton7048]

This is my favourite book of all time. So glad you finally got to it, my pestering paid off I guess. haha

[@AymenBDuckett]

Loved Best Served Cold - I'm happy Shiver is in the new book with the new generation

[@kreehomel]

My second favorite standalone, and definitely in my top 5 of the First Law overall. I really love the dysfunctional group dynamic in Monza's crew. And the bank sequence is one of my favorites.

[@ChrisReadsBooks.]

Yeah man couldnt get through The Blade Itself, felt like the author didn't really know where any of it was going, even though there were so many cool things going for it. But knowing that the subsequent books are better might make me pick it back up.

[@ItalianStallionBDM]

That first book is really just setting up the pieces on the board, getting characters together before they quest in book 2. If you like the characters/tone I'd say keep reading, the plot definitely develops

[@rickytrechoficial]

Can't wait for you to review The Shattered Sea series. I'm with you, Joe always delivers.

[@mycdonalds2550]

I haven’t read first law yet, should I read it. (I mean i’m pretty sure the answer is yes for everyone but still, should I?)

[@shosty575]

Yes you should

[@UnwrittenNoise]

Yes obviously

[@SonOfSeth]

No, you should listen to the audiobook because the narrator is out of this world good, nothing like you've ever heard before.

[@shosty575]

@@SonOfSeth Stephen Pacey is legendary

[@tariqkhawaja2720]

Been very excited and waiting for these stand alone reviews, so glad you got round to them and can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the others.

[@rosstaylor4049]

Great review! Could you give his Shattered Sea trilogy a try (starting Half a King) at some point also? Would be great to hear your thoughts on it

[@jonskogen9477]

Shivers! Love that character

[@javialdaz4534]

Review of the heroes pleasee

[@ItalianStallionBDM]

This book and The Heroes are incredible

[@briangallagher3106]

I’ve been reading First Law trilogy for the first time, I started book 3 and after 200 pages I had to move house, it’s been very disruptive to my reading. 50 pages a day is not enough, I inhaled the first two books in a few days and now I feel like I’m crawling. These books are so good I love sitting down with them. I can’t wait to get back to them and I can’t wait to continue with everything Abercrombie has written.

[@chinaphone]

BSC was brutal, disturbing, and left me a bit depressed. I absolutely loved it!

[@blimblambo4968]

This is two books away from BSC, but I wanna see your review of Red Country. It's a nice change in setting for the books.

[@rotcod1771]

Can't wait for his Red Country review, my favorite of the First Law books

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

Yay! BSC is also still my fav FL book. I think the standalones are better generally (if the standalones are A+‘s, the trilogy books are A’s imo) because it’s such a tidy story and this was the book I felt expanded on characters that made me love them probably more than the main trilogy characters. Having a family member that’s autistic, I can’t help but adore Friendly. Cosca is my personally most beloved famed soldier of fortune. The expansion of Shivers is excellent (I’ve heard the standalones referred to as the “Shivers trilogy” and that’s somewhat apt). The whole book is balanced in humor and tension and, like you said, it all makes sense. I’ve never felt Mr.A was ever stretching any of his stories. The end opened up another layer to his entire world, and a macro-theme he may be pursuing, not found elsewhere in the series. The scene with Sulfur is the stuff my dreams are made of (paraphrasing from memory): “...chaos is the natural state of things, for men pull always in their own directions. It is those who want the world to march all the same way that give themselves the challenge.” “Our master will not-“ “YOUR master, I have none...Get you gone...go back and tell him YOU serve. Tell him I used to serve. We do not kneel.” “Die standing then” Magnifique. Team Shenkt for life. I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I hope many more will discover BSC and Mr.A as a result. Say one thing about Joe Abercrombie, say he’s always growing as a writer. I’ll stop fanboying now.

[@bobdhshshxhzvs2314]

Do you think you can do a review on comic vs manga writing?

[@eugeb3946]

Love BSC. Abercrombie is totally channelling Blakes's Seven (UK 70s morally ambiguous sci-fi)

[@Girentina242]

The slow but potent corrosion and corruption of Shivers' morals and character, which turned a man looking for a better way into a violent unforgiving psycho, utterly destroyed me emotionally. 10/10 would read again, arigato Joe-san 👍

[@sipho4265]

Soooo there's no Logan in this book? :(

[@beelzebobtheinnocent1659]

Gotta agree , the characters development is excellent exceeding almost all of my favorite characters such as the gunslinger, Maud'dib , Stark (aloha from hell )or Vaughn Heppners Logan to name a few.

[@emilianobarin9613]

Hey @Daniel Greene love the content! I don't know if you watch many anime (apart from Avatar of course), but I suggest you check out Vinland Saga (the first season was released in 2019). I'd love to know your opinion! In a way, it talks about the very same concepts of the First Law world, only in a different medium. Keep it up!

[@djerrinuijen9842]

I'm curious since you've read A Little Hatred first before reading this. What do you think of Shivers? Did you know (while reading) he's the same guy as in ALH and that he's a small side character in the first law trilogy?

[@joeleonard1314]

This book is my favorite single book of all time. It's the most entertaining, craziest book and I adore the entire thing from beginning to end.

[@Chadstephen2005]

Have never read any first law. Picked up one of the new printings of Blade Itself... wow his picture is the entire first page. Huge picture of Abercrombie which felt weird lol. Still excited to read it

[@jbrock7394]

Another series - adding to my TBR list. Btw... 🧐 11:43 Do I spy with my little eye a skateboard? 🤪🤯

[@Lost_isle]

I havent read the books or whatnot but when daniel said that bit about how well meaning people get broken down by the world I just immediately though to myself: Huh. Shirou Emiya would have a fieldday in this world. If you know you know.

[@Simplybookdreams88]

After you read all the first law stuff can you do a tier list ranking them?

[@mattkrause1573]

First first law book I read. First foray into grimdark. My jaw was open for part of the read the other part a goofy grin.

[@isaacbruner65]

You probably spoiled a lot of stuff from the original trilogy by reading this first 😯

[@mattkrause1573]

Meh. Not really. Just knew who Caul Shivers was.

[@TheCuspy]

Joe Abercrombie interview!